The move to relocate thousands of sellers from main roads to side streets or restrict touting to the night is part of a campaign to “reclaim the sidewalks” that comes as the ruling junta vows to “clean-up” Thailand’s image.

“We must return most sidewalks to the people,” said Police Major General Vichai Sangparpai, claiming vendors had colonised around a dozen of the city’s main roads, obstructing people and traffic as well as damaging the environment.

Action to tackle the congestion has gained momentum since Thailand’s generals seized power last May, cracking down on activities including gambling and drug-use in a mission to “restore order” to the nation.

Operations are already underway to evict hawkers from cluttered beaches in tourist hotspots such as Phuket. But, for the most part, Bangkok’s vendors “will be allowed to sell” if they shift to designated zones or stop selling at peak hours, according to Vichai.

In recent weeks, authorities have wrestled back control of sidewalks in parts of the city by demarcating pitches with freshly painted yellow lines.

But long-time hawkers say it will not be long before the stalls are once again unfettered. Observing police officers speaking to vendors opposite his patch in Khlong Thom, a merchant, who asked to stay unnamed, predicted the crackdown will soon ease.

“Authorities will come and we will hide. When they leave, we will come out to sell again,” he said.